Rule 2.4 External Influences on Judicial Conduct

Judges have to make decisions based on the law and the facts of a case, not on outside pressure. This means a judge can't change a ruling because the public is upset, because news coverage is critical, or because people are protesting a decision. The judge's job is to do what's legally right, even if it's unpopular.

The rule also says a judge can't let personal relationships affect their decisions on the bench. This covers family members, friends, political allies, business partners, or anyone else with a personal or financial connection to the judge. If a judge has a relationship that could affect their judgment, they need to step back from the case rather than let that relationship shape the outcome.

Finally, judges can't create the impression that certain people have special access or pull with them. This means a judge shouldn't let anyone, like a friend, donor, or political figure, act like they have an inside track to influence the judge's decisions. Judges need to make sure everyone believes the court is fair and that no one gets special treatment because of who they know.